BOZEMAN EDITION
The Monthly
ré • AD publication
reyadvertising.com
The Art of Horse Packing— Preserving a Montana Tradition
By Nicole Hom
January 2015
IN THIS ISSUE Page 4
Gallatin Veterinary Hospital
Page 9
Intermountain Opera
How is a tradition preserved? Maybe it’s written down in a book and kept silently on a shelf. Perhaps it’s mentioned during a classroom lecture. Unlike some traditions, the art of horse packing is best preserved through hands-on learning. This January, the Gallatin County 4H (GC 4H) and the Gallatin Valley Back Country Horsemen (GVBCH) have partnered to pass along the art of backcountry horse packing to the next generation of Montana riders. Packing into the wilderness on horses is like packing for an overnight backcountry hiking trip on steroids. A practice used by pioneers, early prospectors and the United States Forest Service, horse packing allows for a single person to transport as much gear—as need and horses allow—into remote areas of the wilderness. Mainly used today for hunting, horse packing began as a necessity that has now turned into a lesser-known skill. After decades of tradition, the 4H Horse Packing Project almost saw it’s own extinction when the clinics ceased to be offered. Three years ago, Greg Benjamin—who wanted to ensure that his daughter would learn the
ways of backcountry horse packing—and the GC 4H resurrected the program. When it was discovered that the GVBCH also provided horse packing clinics, the GC 4H and the GVBCH decided to join efforts. With the support of several generous donors, this joint venture provides the most comprehensive packing clinic available for the youth of Gallatin County, their families and their mentors. In order to pass along the horse packing tradition, the GC 4H and the GVBCH have constructed a series of five clinics to teach safe and efficient methods for recreation packing. Clinic I, to be held on January 22nd, will be an overview on the entire program and the gear needed for horse packing. Clinics II through V follow in the coming months and cover everything from loading, packing and trip planning, to a field day where all skills will be implemented. Bob Hoverson of the U.S. Forest Service will also give a professional packing demonstration. In addition, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their newly acquired techniques at a skills test and packing challenge to be held at a yet-to-be-
Page 15
Verge Theatre
Let's Taco 'bout It!
1235 North 7th Ave
(continued on page 2)
Visit Us Online: REYADVERTISING.COM